SURPRISE, ARIZ. — Twelve days before opening day, Royals manager Ned Yost was nearly ready to anoint a key component of his lineup on Saturday.

Yost said outfielder Jon Jay is positioned to begin the season in the club’s leadoff spot, a decision that could allow the rest of the batting order to fall into place.

“We’re kind of inching a little bit more toward Jon Jay,” Yost said.

The Royals acquired Jay in early March, signing the veteran outfielder to a one-year, $3 million contract. The move bolstered the outfield and delivered flexibility to the lineup, especially at the top. Jay, a left-handed hitter, has a long track record of getting on base, posting a .355 career OBP.

The team has also considered using second baseman Whit Merrifield in the leadoff spot. Yet Yost said he may prefer Merrifield batting second or third.

“I like Whit,” Yost said. “Whit is almost perfect [for the leadoff spot]. But Whit stays...